Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2006 Owners Manual - Manual (Page 96)

95
Safety and Security
Driving safety systems
For more information, see the “Practical
hints” section (
୴ page 375).
Warning!
G
Never switch off the ESP ® when you see the
ABS/ESP ® warning lamp v flashing in
the instrument cluster. In this case proceed
as follows:
ț While driving off, apply as little throttle
as possible.
ț While driving, ease up on the accelera-
tor.
ț Adapt your speed and driving style to
the prevailing road conditions.
Failure to observe these guidelines could
cause the vehicle to skid.
The ESP ® cannot prevent accidents result-
ing from excessive speed.
Warning!
G
The ESP ® cannot prevent the natural laws of
physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can
it increase the traction afforded. The ESP ®
cannot prevent accidents, including those
resulting from excessive speed in turns, or
hydroplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and
skillful driver can prevent accidents. The ca-
pabilities of an ESP ® equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or danger-
ous manner which could jeopardize the us-
er’s safety or the safety of others.
!
The ESP ® will only function properly if
you use wheels of the recommended
tire size (
୴ page 473).
!
Vehicles without 4MATIC:
Because of the ESP’s
® automatic oper-
ation, the engine and the ignition must
be shut off (SmartKey in starter switch
position 0 or 1 or KEYLESS-GO
start/stop button* in position 0 or 1)
when:
ț the parking brake is being tested on
a brake test dynamometer
ț the vehicle is being towed with the
front axle raised
Active braking action through the ESP ®
may otherwise seriously damage the
brake system.
For information on vehicles with
4MATIC, see “Four wheel electronic
traction system (4MATIC) with the
ESP
® ” ( ୴ page 100).